How To Fix A One Handle Bathroom Sink Faucet

Fixing a One-Handle Bathroom Sink Faucet: Essential Tips

When your bathroom sink faucet starts acting up, it can be a major inconvenience. A leaky faucet can waste water and increase your utility bills, while a faucet that doesn't turn on or off properly can make it difficult to use your sink. Luckily, fixing a one-handle bathroom sink faucet is usually a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes.

Here are the essential steps to follow when fixing a one-handle bathroom sink faucet:

1. Gather your tools and materials

You will need the following tools and materials to fix a one-handle bathroom sink faucet:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Hex key (if necessary)
Replacement cartridge (if necessary)

2. Turn off the water supply

Before you start working on the faucet, you need to turn off the water supply to the sink. There are usually two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed.

3. Remove the handle

Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the handle from the faucet. There will be one or more screws that hold the handle in place. Remove the screws and then pull the handle straight up to remove it.

4. Remove the cartridge

Once the handle is removed, you will see the cartridge. The cartridge is a round, cylindrical device that controls the flow of water through the faucet. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the cartridge in place. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the cartridge straight up to remove it.

5. Inspect the cartridge

Once the cartridge is removed, inspect it for any damage. If the cartridge is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement cartridge at most hardware stores.

6. Install the new cartridge

If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to install a new one. To do this, insert the new cartridge into the faucet and tighten the nut that holds it in place. Do not overtighten the nut, as this can damage the cartridge.

7. Reinstall the handle

Once the cartridge is installed, you can reinstall the handle. To do this, align the handle with the faucet and push it straight down until it clicks into place. Tighten the screws that hold the handle in place.

8. Turn on the water supply

Once the handle is reinstalled, you can turn on the water supply to the sink. Check for any leaks and make sure that the faucet is working properly.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to fix a one-handle bathroom sink faucet in just a few minutes. However, if you are not comfortable working on plumbing fixtures, you can always call a qualified plumber to help you.